To gain wisdom and knowledge about the world of food it’s important to understand the interconnectedness of eating to history, culture, politics, recipes (or not), new and well-loved cookbooks, community action, thought leaders, and a multitude of stories in this case focusing on the African Diaspora.

Right now, I’m in a state of mind trying to figure out my path for 2021 as it relates to food and community. I know that things will be different from last year, but how different I don’t know yet.

For the past 4 years, I’ve planted a garden; grown a nice portion of my food; shared my harvests with friends and neighbors; created recipes with what I’ve grown; and preserved by hydrating, pickling, and freezing some to not waste any. This has been part of my contribution to living a purposeful life.

This year, I want to do more but what? I can’t be content with just sharing what I’ve personally grown. And charitable giving, while necessary and righteous, does not build a sustainable, strong, mindful, independent community.

Fannie Lou Hamer once made two food-related quotes that have stuck with me:

“Just because people are fat, it doesn’t mean they are well fed. The cheapest foods are the fattening ones, not the most nourishing.”

“If you give a hungry man food, he will eat it. [But] if you give him land, he will grow his own food.”

Her words are guiding principles on my mind as I look out at my hoop house, see the plants growing inside and outside, and gaze at seeds for possible spring planting.

No plans are set today for what I’ll do this year. More moments of thought and reflection are needed. I’ll draw upon lessons learned and bites of wisdom to take the next steps. Please join me and let me know what you thing along the way.